With the holidays just around the corner, you’ll want to make sure any gifts you’re giving to your kids are safe and ready to use when they’re unwrapped.

Michael and I talk about some of the things you’ll want to do before handing a pocket-computer over to your kids this Christmas.

Resources

iOS 12’s Screen Time App Changes Everything!
The Best Way to Keep Your Kids Safe On Youtube
Circle With Disney Whole-House Device Management
Accountable2You – Accountability Software
Bark – Monitor Your Kid’s Online Activity

About Luke Gilkerson

Luke Gilkerson is the creator of Experience Astronomy, a series of online courses for homeschool students of all ages. For the last several years he has taught astronomy at his local homeschool co-op and now also enjoys teaching over 1,000 students all over the world about the sky! Learn more at experienceastronomy.com.

Links mentioned in the podcast

Experience Astronomy
Neave Planetarium 

OK, maybe not everyone needs to learn to fix a car but basic maintenance or knowing when to take your car to a mechanic are skills every homeschooler should learn.

If you have a budding mechanic or if you don’t think you can’t teach your kids to change the oil in a car, you can lean on these 7 YouTube channels to help you and your kids learn how to fix cars.

1. Scotty Kilmer

With 50 years of experience as a mechanic, Scotty Kilmer provides down-to-earth advice in his videos. You won’t get detailed instructions for repairs but his decades of experience are an invaluable resource for beginner mechanics.

2. Eric the Car Guy

When I need to fix something on my 2000 Honda Civic or 2004 Odyssey, the first YouTube channel I check is Eric the Car Guy‘s. Eric’s videos often provide step-by-step instructions for many common repairs. It also helps that he used to be a Honda-certified mechanic.

3. Humble Mechanic

Honestly, I don’t know how Charles, aka Humble Mechanic, keeps his beard out of the way when he works. Here’s another great channel to learn how to repair cars with step-by-step instructions.

4. Engineering Explained

When I want to learn about certain automotive principles I check out Engineering Explained. On this channel, Chris explains how a car works. This is very important when you want to learn to repair them

5. ChrisFix

Often when you see videos on YouTube they don’t show you how to make the repairs with common hand tools. ChrisFix shows you how easy it is to maintain and repair your car with common hand tools.

6. Richpin

The first mechanic channel I subscribed to was Richpin’s. I had an old Saturn wagon that needed some mechanical help and his videos helped me save money by doing the repairs myself.

Bonus: Mighty Car Mods
Out of all the channels, Marty and Moog over at Mighty Car Mods are probably the most entertaining. What started as a channel that featured simple modifications done on a weekend now features weeks-long projects that turn out fantastic & fun cars.

It’s not! 3D printers have become affordable and easy to use. There are many 3D printers that have been specifically designed for home use and homeschoolers can use them to teach STEM topics.

Your kids can learn about 3D modelling, engineering, and other scientific principles while designing their own creations. Who knows, maybe your child might design a better mousetrap with his or her 3D printer.

In this podcast, I’ll cover the basics of 3D printing, some basic guidelines to consider when purchasing a 3D printer and talk about 5 3D printers under $500 for homeschooling. If you’re already familiar with 3D printing you can skip ahead to the list.

How Do 3D Printers Work?

Let’s start with a primer on how 3D printing works. 3D printing can also be referred to as “additive manufacturing”. The printer slowly adds material to build the 3D object through an extruder.

Most 3D printers use a technology called Fused Deposition Modeling, or FDM for short. The material, or filament, is added layer by layer on to a build plate in 2D layers. When all of the layers have been completed, a 3D object has been printed.

The filament in a printer can consist of many different materials but most are PLA or ABS plastic. All the printers discussed here use PLA, a non-toxic material derived from natural materials like sugar cane.

For more information about 3D printing and how 3D printers work, check out this guide from 3Dprint: What is 3D Printing & How Do 3D Printers Work?

Things to Consider When Buying a 3D Printer

Prices for 3D printers vary depending on their application. Many entry-level 3D printers can be had for under $500. Some hobbyists spend $2,000 – $5,000 on personal 3D printers.

I’m primarily focusing on entry-level 3D printers designed for home use. If you plan to purchase one here are some things to consider:

• Safety features. The filament can be very hot when extruded from the nozzle so consider features like an enclosure and a tip sensor so that printing stops if the door is opened or the printer is tipped.
• Ease of use and setup. Does the 3D printer need to be assembled or is it ready to go out of the box? Is the software provided easy to use for your kids?
• Cost of supplies. Most printers come with a small about of filament. Once that runs out how much will it cost? Does the 3D printer support generic filament or is it proprietary?
• Software included. What software is included with the printer? Is it compatible with other 3D printing software or can you only use the software designed specifically for the 3d printer?
• Online resources. Does the manufacturer provide online educator’s resources? Are there lesson plans and a curriculum guide available? Are these guides designed for home use or in a classroom?
• Build volume and resolution. How big are the objects that you can print? Also, how fine is the nozzle? Can you print smooth and intricate objects or will you need to manually add details.
• Production speed. Depending on the size and complexity of the object being printed, it can take as little as 10 minutes or several hours to complete. If you have impatient kids, consider a 3D printer with faster production speeds.
• Additional features. Heated plates, wireless or Bluetooth connectivity, and LCD screens are just some of the options you’ll find. Typically, the more convenience features a 3D printer has, the higher the cost.

5 3D Printers Under $500 for Homeschooling

Now that we’ve covered the basics of 3D printing and what you want to look for in a 3D printer, let’s talk about some of the 3D printers that you might want to consider for homeschooling.

da Vinci miniMaker

XYZprinting’s da Vinci series is colorful and affordable. Designed specifically for young kids, the miniMaker uses a proprietary filament and software package.

It comes with 300g of starter filament and you’ll have access to a free online curriculum and education guide.

It has one the largest build areas on this list at 5.9″ x 5.9″ x 5.9″ but the built plate is not removable.

da Vinci miniMaker – $189 at Amazon

MP Select Mini

The MP Select Mini is a great 3D printer for people who want an open platform. It can use any compatible filament and software package.

Despite its low price, it features a heated build plate , color LED screen, nozzle cooling fan, and accessory kit. All of these features are normally only found in more expensive 3D printers.

It ships fully assembled but getting started has a pretty steep learning curve. Be prepared to tinker and tweak to get it going. Build area is 4.7″ x 4.7″ x 4.7″.

MP Select Mini – $219 at Amazon

ToyBox

Toybox is designed to get kids started with 3D printing quickly and easily. It comes with a companion app that lets kids find and print toys easily. It has the smallest build area on the list: 3.5″ x 3″ x 3.9″

It comes with half a pound (~225g) of “printer food” and features a removable, flexible build bed that allows kids to easily remove their builds. Additional “food packs” are available for $34 that include your choice of 4 colors of filament.

Toybox is currently on back-order until March and will retail for $399 but if you purchase through their crowdfunding campaign you’ll save 25%.

Preorder ToyBox from IndieGoGo – $299

Flashforge Finder

The Finder is an entry-level 3D printer from Flashforge. It comes pre-assembled, is easy to use, and features a number of convenience features.

It uses a proprietary filament so you’ll be buying your supplies from Flashforge and that will limit your selection of colors.

Features include a filament run-out detection, a color LCD screen, removable built plate, and USB stick support. The build area is about 5.5″ x 5.5″ x 5.5″ making it one of the largest in the group.

Flashforge Finder at Amazon – $399

Printrbot Play

Printrbot Play provides high-quality 3D printing at an affordable price. It has a metal chassis, fan shroud, and heat shield to protect little fingers from touching the hot nozzle.

Printrbot Play uses open filament so you’ll have plenty of choices with regard to color and spool capacity. Printrbot is known for their customer service and a great community surrounding their 3D printers.

In addition, PrintrBot provides lesson plans and other educational resources for use with their 3D printers.

The movable stage has a print volume of 4″ x 4″ x 5″.

Printrbot Play at Amazon – $499

Do you have a 3D printer? What model would you recommend? Are you thinking about introducing 3d printing to your kids? Let me know in the comments below.

If you found value in these ideas, maybe consider buying me a coffee? Even though new episodes aren’t actively being made, there are still costs for hosting and maintaining the website. You can also follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms.

And just so you know, some links you might see are “affiliate links,” meaning if you click and buy, I might get a commission. Sometimes I even get free samples to review, all disclosed transparently.

Music for the podcast is “RetroFuture Clean” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Following simple safety tips will keep you safe on the real roads and these 10 Internet safety tips for teens and tweens will keep you and your kids safe on your digital drive.

1. Think before you post.
2. Respect other people online, and avoid gossip.
3. Ask for permission before you meet online friends in person.
4. Don’t feed cyberbullies—block the sender, ignore mean messages, file a report with the website or police.
5. Speak up if you see someone getting bullied.
6. Clean up your profile, eliminate your page of everything too personal, embarrassing, and illegal.
7. Use privacy settings.
8. Monitor what others post about you.
9. Keep adults in the loop—tell them when you add new sites, new friends, or see something suspicious or harmful.
10. Use your voice for good—use social media to do something productive for you or a cause.

How do you keep your kids safe online?

If you found value in these ideas, maybe consider buying me a coffee? Even though new episodes aren’t actively being made, there are still costs for hosting and maintaining the website. You can also follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms.

And just so you know, some links you might see are “affiliate links,” meaning if you click and buy, I might get a commission. Sometimes I even get free samples to review, all disclosed transparently.

Music for the podcast is “RetroFuture Clean” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

As a homeschool parent, you might feel more like a stressed-out startup founder than a billionaire tech mogul. But here’s the cool part: the same principles that built a tech empire can help you build an incredible learning environment for your kids.

Let’s look at how to “Bill Gates” your homeschool routine.

1. Master the Art of the “Teachable Moment”

Bill Gates was famous for being in the right place at the right time (and recognizing it). In homeschooling, we call this the “teachable moment.”

You might have a lesson plan for long division, but if your child is suddenly fascinated by how the shadows move on the sidewalk, pivot. Don’t force the workbook if there’s a real-world epiphany happening right in front of you. Successful “educational CEOs” know when to seize an opportunity that wasn’t on the calendar.

2. Build Your “Board of Directors” (Find Partnerships)

Nobody builds an empire alone. Gates had Paul Allen; you need a support system.

Whether it’s a spouse who handles the science experiments, a local homeschool co-op, or an online community, don’t try to be the sole source of all knowledge. If you’re struggling with a subject, find a partner or a resource to fill the gap. Collaboration isn’t “cheating”—it’s smart management.

3. Adopt the “Growth Mindset” (Never Give Up)

Microsoft didn’t launch perfectly (anyone remember Windows ME?). There were bugs, crashes, and failures.

Homeschooling is the same. You will have days where the curriculum is a bust and everyone ends up in tears. That’s okay. The goal isn’t a perfect day; it’s the long game. When things go wrong, debug the system, reboot, and try again tomorrow. Resilience is the best subject you can teach.

4. Encourage “Blue Sky” Thinking

Gates changed the world because he wasn’t afraid to think big. Are we giving our kids the space to do the same?

Encourage your kids to pursue their “crazy” passions. If they want to build a robot, write a novel, or start a YouTube channel about lizards, give them the tools to try. Even if they have to do their “boring” math first, never let them lose that spark for big, audacious dreams.

5. Cultivate a Life-Long Love for Learning

If there’s one thing Bill Gates is known for today, it’s his reading list. He never stopped being a student.

The ultimate goal of homeschooling isn’t just to pass a test or graduate high school—it’s to create a human who knows how to learn anything. Model this for your kids. Let them see you reading, tackling new hobbies, and asking questions. If they leave your “school” with a curiosity that never ends, you’ve already won.

Editor’s note: This blog post has been updated and edited with the assistance of Gemini.

If you found value in these ideas, maybe consider buying me a coffee? Even though new episodes aren’t actively being made, there are still costs for hosting and maintaining the website. You can also follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms.

And just so you know, some links you might see are “affiliate links,” meaning if you click and buy, I might get a commission. Sometimes I even get free samples to review, all disclosed transparently.

Music for the podcast is “RetroFuture Clean” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

1. Binge-Watch “Smart” YouTube

YouTube is a goldmine for visual learners. Instead of mindlessly scrolling, point your kids toward these five heavy-hitters that make complex science feel like a magic show:

• Smarter Every Day: Deep dives into how the world works.
• The Backyard Scientist: Wild experiments you definitely shouldn’t do in your kitchen.
• The King of Random: Life hacks and DIY science projects.
• Veritasium: Mind-blowing physics and engineering.
• SciShow Kids: Perfect for younger elementary learners.

2. Build Your Way to Brilliance with LEGO

LEGO isn’t just a toy; it’s a structural engineering kit. Use what you already have in the bin to teach math, geometry, and physics.

• 50+ LEGO STEM Activities: A massive list of printables and challenges.
• Learning Liftoff’s 20 LEGO Ideas: Great for all grade levels.
• Walking by the Way’s Free Resources: The ultimate hub for LEGO printables.

3. The Magic of Duct Tape

If it moves and shouldn’t, use duct tape. If it doesn’t move and should… well, you can still use duct tape to build it!

• Duct Tape Crafts: From wallets to prom dresses.
• Science Projects with Duct Tape: A “Science Buddies” experiment testing the limits of adhesive strength.

4. Build Your Own TARDIS (Doctor Who Fans, Rejoice!)

Combine engineering with a love for Sci-Fi. Whether it’s a desktop model or a full-sized “bigger on the inside” fort, this is STEAM at its best.

• Small Scale: Cereal Box TARDIS Tutorial
• Large Scale: Refrigerator Box TARDIS (Instructables)
• LEGO Version: Official LEGO Ideas TARDIS (Instruction Link)

5. Meet the Robots: Dash and Dot

If you want to introduce coding without a screen-heavy environment, Dash and Dot from Wonder Workshop are fantastic. They’re durable, cute, and grow with your child’s coding skills.

6. Game Night = School Time

Board games are secret math and logic teachers.

• Blokus: Spatial reasoning.
• Qwirkle: Patterns and strategy.
• Robot Turtles: Teaches the basics of programming to preschoolers.
• Leaving Earth: Hardcore space race history and math.

7. The Edison Robot

For a budget-friendly entry into robotics, the Edison Robot is hard to beat. It’s LEGO-compatible, meaning your kids can build a crane or a tank on top of a programmable base.

8. Get Messy with Instructables

Instructables is the “how-to” capital of the internet. Here are five projects that will keep your hands busy for days:

• Candle-Powered Hot Air Balloon
• Arduino Weather Station
• Simple Circuits from a Pizza Box
• Near-Space Balloon Tracker
• DIY Bicycle Safety Lights

9. fishertechnik Kits

If you prefer a structured curriculum, fishertechnik STEM kits are the gold standard. They provide everything from the parts to the lesson plans, covering mechanics, electronics, and renewable energy.

10. KiwiCo (Tinker Crate)

No time to shop for supplies? KiwiCo delivers a high-quality STEM project to your door every month. The Tinker Crate (ages 9-14+) is especially great for budding engineers.

11. Soapbox Derby Racing

Nothing teaches physics and aerodynamics like hurtling down a hill in a wooden car you built yourself.

• Official Soap Box Derby Plans: The pros’ guide to building.
• Simple DIY Gravity Car: A modern, fun take on the classic build.

12. Coding with Scratch

Scratch (developed by MIT) is the best free way to teach kids to code. They use “blocks” to build games and animations. Check out their Ideas page for starter projects.

13. Creation Crate

For kids who want to move past “drag-and-drop” coding and into real electronics, Creation Crate teaches you how to build and program Arduino-based gadgets with real components.

14. Harness the Power of Fire (With Supervision!)

Fire is the ultimate attention-grabber. It’s also a masterclass in chemical reactions.

• The Science of Fire: A great visual explanation of what fire actually is.
• Science Buddies: Fire Experiments: Safe, structured ways to experiment with combustion.

15. Film Your Own Science Show

Let your kids be the next Bill Nye! Recording an experiment requires them to understand the concepts well enough to explain them. Use a smartphone and a free editor like CapCut or iMovie to create their own “viral” science videos.

Editor’s note: This blog post has been updated and edited with the assistance of Gemini.

If you found value in these ideas, maybe consider buying me a coffee? Even though new episodes aren’t actively being made, there are still costs for hosting and maintaining the website. You can also follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Teaching STEM isn’t just about textbooks; it’s about tinkering, failing, and finally getting that “Aha!” moment. Whether you’re on a budget or looking to invest in some cool tech, these 15 ideas will keep your kids engaged and curious.

1. Binge-Watch “Smart” YouTube

YouTube is a goldmine for visual learners. Instead of mindlessly scrolling, point your kids toward these five heavy-hitters that make complex science feel like a magic show:

• Smarter Every Day: Deep dives into how the world works.
• The Backyard Scientist: Wild experiments you definitely shouldn’t do in your kitchen.
• The King of Random: Life hacks and DIY science projects.
• Veritasium: Mind-blowing physics and engineering.
• SciShow Kids: Perfect for younger elementary learners.